Mothers’ role in national progress recognised

In her 69 years of life, Nirmala Rani Roy had to face a lot of obstacles but the mother of six never gave up.

She was married off when she was 16 and a student of seventh grade. Five years later, at the beginning of Liberation War in 1971, her husband went to India to train as a freedom fighter, leaving behind Nirmala and their three sons. Nirmala’s husband Ardhendu Shekhar Roy later worked at a refugee camp. 

Fearing for their safety, the young mother along with her children fled to India to be with her husband. They all reunited and returned to Bangladesh after the war, but their hardship did not end.

“I have a long history of struggles, especially centring the Liberation War. One can write a book based on those stories,” said Nirmala, a resident of Faridpur.

“After the war, my other sons were born. Their father had a low-ranking government job. I had to face adversities a lot to take care of my family and educate our sons,” she added.

Despite the hardship, the homemaker never considered discontinuing the education of her children. She tried her best to encourage them to be successful, and they did not disappoint. Three of her sons are journalists, two lawyers, and one teacher.

“My sons are not only successful in their professional lives but they also have morals as I taught them. They always look after me,” said Nirmala, who has been confined to a wheelchair for the last four years.

As recognition of her efforts, Nirmala yesterday received ‘Azad Products Award Ratnagarva Maa 2018’.

Including her, a total of 35 mothers from different parts of the country were conferred the awards at a ceremony held at Dhaka Club.

On the occasion, poet Asad Chowdhury also received ‘My Dad Wonderful’ award.

Industries minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, speaking as chief guest of the programme, said Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years, and all mothers of the country have contributed to it.

Azad Products, a stationary manufacturer, has been giving the Ratnagarva Maa awards since 2003 and My Dad Wonderful award since 2008.

Speaking on the occasion, Abul Kalam Azad, chairman of Azad Products, said “If a mother is aware, her children will be educated and successful. These mothers can move the country forward,” he added.